What ar to buy? del-ton...bushmaster...ect

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kafratta

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Hey I'm looking at buying my first ar soon. My trusted gun store only carrys one type of hbar (i need to buy an hbar because im not 21) which is a del-ton 16" carbine hbar. I hear really mixed reviews for del-ton, some love it, some hate it. I want something that will not **** up, something that will work properly for along time. looking round 900 bucks if possible. Also i'd like to buy it a whole but am open to building. thoughts? just ask if i forgot anything my mind is scrambled right now from school lol.
 
Ummmm what state are you in? I am not aware of any state that dictates people under 21 must buy heavy barreled rifles as opposed to a lighter m4 cut or pencil barrel. I bought my first ar15 under 21 (If I remember correctly), it was a 16 incher with the m4 cutouts on the barrel. I would highly recommend looking at used guns right now. Lots of people looking to unload AR's the bought and never use.
 
i live in md, assault rifles and handguns are restricted to 21 and older (with a 7 day wait and background check), but the hbar is a nonregulated firearm here making me elligable to buy it (and take it home right away).
 
welcome to THR

Do NOT buy an hbar.

You may be thinking you need a 16" barrel because you have to be 21 to buy a shorter barrel. The 16" barrel can be any weight you want... think (hbar) or thinner (m4, pencil).

The used gun suggestion is a good one assuming you get to test it and make sure it works.

There are many threads here about choosing an AR. $900 is a good budget and you can buy quality for that. Del-ton is pot luck. Some people get good ones and some don't. Unless you get a warranty that will allow you to go dump 1000 rnds through it to make sure it works, I'd keep looking.

Bravo company is a good place to start your search
 
I have realized very good accuracy and reliable performance from my Delton kit build.

But it is a fun gun for me, pure and simple. My life doesn't depend on it.

If you want a 16", consider a mid-length... they have a lot going for them.

I have a 16" middy with an HBAR and it is indeed front heavy.
 
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Do NOT buy an hbar.
Click to expand...
ya, dont buy an hbar because you think you HAVE TO. only buy one if you think thats what you want.

ive owned a 20" colt match target rifle, a 20" gov profile, and a 16" hbar.

i decided that i like the 16" hbars the most. (i have 2)

it is safe to say that it might not be the best one for you. and it might be safe to say its not the best one for some, but it is not safe to say they are no good for anyone.

i decided they were the ones for me because i mostly shoot from a bench, but sometimes will shoot on our families land.

they are less than 8oz heavier than an m4-gery and after trying several, they are the profiles i found to be the best combination of weight vs accuracy.

i hated carrying a 10lb colt match target (plus it was a choke-o-matic)
the 20" gov profiles 2 moa just wasnt doing it for me

6.9lbs of 3/4 moa hbar made me happy.
 
To clarify the OPs question, in the benevolent state of Maryland, anything other than an HBAR is classified as an assault weapon, and falls under the same restrictions as a handgun - no purchases by anyone under the age of 21. Barrel length does not enter into it.

I have a two 16" ARs - one is an HBAR. I have not found the HBAR to be an inconvenience for my usage of the rifle, which is range, plinking and three gun matches. Other do not like the HBAR. YMMV....

My Colt has run flawlessly, as has my Bushmaster. Both in 16"

I have had issues with my 20" Bushmaster uppers. I have since moved on to a J&T upper, and will eventually upgrade the other to a BCM gov profile upper. But for whatever reason, the 16" Bushmaster Patrolman has run just fine.
 
Don't get caught up in the "mil spec" marketing.

Fact is there is not one single AR type rifle sold to civilians that is actual mil spec. None. Don't care what the ad says. It's completely false. No civilian can buy a mil spec AR type rifle.

Got your attention? Good. Two reasons.

Mil spec must have capability for fully automatic fire or burst fire.

Mil spec must have been physically inspected by a government inspector.

Since both of those conditions have not and cannot be met, none of the other things matter. Mil spec = join the United States military.

End of story.
 
I think it would behoove you to sit down and identify what you will use this rifle for and what type of performance (accuracy, reliability, durability, etc) you expect from it. I would also identify your budget. When you have some criteria it makes it easier to know what will suffice.
 
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RE 16", 20", HBAR, pencil - handle them all or better yet, shoot them and see what you like. IMO, 16" HBAR is handles well, shoots great. YMMV

I actually prefer a little front-heavy bias, but then my fav 06 weighs-in at 10 lbs+ and I'm all over the woods with it - no issues. JMHO
 
If I was in the market for an AR right now for around $1000, I'd go for the DPMS 3G1. Lots of trick little bits on it already, they are great value for money.
 
A company that has good/excellent rep for service and stands by their product like a lifetime guarantee might be a consideration for you (at your age) if you think about it.

You can actually call manufactures and ask them why you should buy their product over product X. Last one I talked to a woman answered and I swear she must have taken a course and got her PHD on the AR. Very informative.

I am no expert on who manufactures the best. The last word I got there were only a very few companies that make parts for ARs. Parts come to a company and a AR is built then the companies LOGO is attached with all the hype and fanfare of a marketing genius.

I have owned several different types by different manufactures and either got a really good weapon or got one that needed a fix to become a good weapon. That happens with any manufacture.

Most or many manufactures test fire the weapon before it is shipped out the door. I once got one where the extractor spring was broke right out of the box. No big deal but stuff happens. The Ar being so easy to replace parts it just isn't that big of a deal for someone partially handy and has a company guarantee to back them up.

The post above about handling an shooting before a new purchase is the way to go but not many dealers also own a gun range. I have had good luck with used but some have not.

Another option which is the hardest for youth is save your money and when you turn 21 get exactly what you want. In the mean time find a range that rents what you want to shoot; if they exist where you live.......Just thoughts....
 
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